Commonly Asked Questions About Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a natural alternative for Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson-area residents.

Take a minute to read on and educate yourself about the facts of Spinal Decompression Therapy then give Hoctor Chiropractic and Family Wellness a call today at (704) 896-1983 to see if you are a good candidate.

Why Spinal Disc Decompression Works:

This FDA approved technology relieves pain by enlarging the space between the discs. The negative pressure of decompression releases pressure that builds on to the disc and nerves, allowing the herniated and bulging disc to eventually go back into normal position. Decompression is the only treatment that is truly most effective for severe cases of herniation, degeneration, arthritis, stenosis and pressure on the nerve root. According to a clinical study performed by the Orthopedic Technological Review in 2004, said that 86% of all cases experienced spinal pain relief with disc decompression.

What is the difference between decompression and traction?

Many clinicians specializing in lumbar spine pathology have criticized traditional traction. Traction fails in many cases because it causes muscular stretch receptors to fire, which then cause para-spinal muscles to contract. This muscular response actually causes an increase in intradiscal pressure. On the other hand, genuine decompression is achieved by gradual and calculated increases of distraction forces to spinal structures, utilizing various degrees of distraction forces.

A highly specialized computer must modulate the application of distraction forces in order to achieve the ideal effect. The system uses applies a gentle, curved angle pull which yields far greater treatment results that a less comfortable, sharp angle pull. Distraction must be offset by cycles of partial relaxation.

The system continuously monitors spinal resistance and adjusts distraction forces accordingly. A specific lumbar segment can be targeted for treatment by changing the angle of distraction. This patented technique of decompression may prevent muscle spasm and patient guarding. Constant activity monitoring takes place at a rate of 10,000 times per second, making adjustments not perceived by the eye as many as 20 times per second via its fractional metering and monitoring system.

Genuine decompression also involves the use of a special pelvic harness that supports the lumbar spine during therapy. Negative pressure within the disc is maintained throughout the treatment session. With genuine decompression, the pressure within the disc space can actually be lowered to about -150 mmHg. As a result, the damaged disc will be rehydrated with nutrients and oxygen.

Isn't decompression just a fancy name for a traction machine?

No. There is a big different between traction, distraction and decompression. Traction has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The problem with traction as it is known today is that it is not always beneficial. In 1998, the Scientific American rated traction to be of little or no value in the examination of efficacious therapies for lower back pain. This finding is consistent with many studies that report traction can often times signal a nociceptive splinting response and put a patient's back muscles in spasm, resisting any attempts to effect a change on the disc proper.

Distraction, a term used to describe a flexion distraction technique, attempts to reposition the spine from the offending lesion. This technique has been shown to be very effective, even though potentially damaging to the person performing the technique and largely dependent on the skill of the technician. Like traction, distraction procedures are limited in the ability to reduce the intradiscal pressure, or produce a negative pressure within the disc imbibing fluid, nutrients and creating an environment for repair.

Decompression therefore is an event - a combination of restraint, angle position and equipment engineering. One can experience traction without decompression, but not decompression without traction. Traction is a machine - Decompression is an event.

What Results Can I Expect?

Many patients with lower back syndromes may experience pain relief as early as the third treatment session. Comparison of pre-treatment MRI's with post-treatment MRI's has shown a 50% reduction in the size and extent of herniation. In clinical studies, 86% of patients reported relief of back pain with the our system. Within the past five years, some private practice clinicians have reported success rates as high as 90%.

What Time Commitments Are Required By Patients?

Each treatment session averages 25 to 30 minutes in duration (research has established that optimum results are achieved with sessions that incorporate 10 to 15 decompression/relaxation cycles). On average, one daily session for 20-30 treatments is necessary for patient self-healing to occur.

Herniated discs generally respond within 20 sessions, while patients with degenerated discs may need ongoing therapy at regulated intervals to remain pain free. Still other patients, due to lifestyle or occupation, may also require maintenance therapy. Patients with posterior facet syndromes may achieve complete remission with 10 or fewer sessions. Research has demonstrated that most patients achieve full remission from pain after the initial treatment regimen.

What is the typical diagnosis?

Since non-specific low back pain and cervical pain generally encompass a myriad of mechanical failures, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue that encroach or produce pressure on the nerves, the term intervertebral disc syndrome can be used. This diagnosis does not necessarily require (although recommended) an MRI to confirm the presence of a disc involvement

Who can benefit from using Disc Decompression Therapy?

The following would be inclusion criteria for the Decompression Therapy (1) Pain due to herniated and bulging lumbar discs that is more than four weeks old; (2) Recurrent pain from a failed back surgery that is more than six months old; (3) Persistent pain from degenerated discs not responding to four weeks of therapy; (4) Patients available for four weeks of treatment protocol; and (5) Patient at least 18 years of age.

Lastly, the system should be utilized with patients with low back pain, with or without radiculopathy who have failed conventional therapy (physiotherapy and chiropractic) and who are considering surgery. Surgery should only be considered following a reasonable trial of Decompression therapy protocols.

How long is each session and what is the treatment protocol?

Each session on the Decompression equipment is approximately 25-40 minutes long (45 minute sessions include set-up and take-off), accompanied by 15 minutes of stimulation, heat packs and manipulation. The patient comes for 20-30 visits over a 4-6 week period. The doctor will provide a complete copy of the Spinal decompression treatment protocol upon request.

How long before a patient experiences change?

Often times a patient experiences some relief within the first few (3-7) treatments. Usually by the 12th to 15th treatment all patients have reported some remission of symptoms. Patients not showing significant improvement by the 15th to 18th session may be referred for further diagnostic evaluation.

Does Decompression Therapy work for everyone?

Eighty-to-ninety percent of patients who have been properly selected and comply with the Spinal Disc Decompression protocol will have good-to-excellent outcomes. Patient's conditions that do not respond quickly to the therapy are often unable to be helped by anything quickly. Patients vary in age, sex and body morphology and may require counseling in weight loss, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.